What can Early Years settings do when a child's parents separate? Parental separation can be a sensitive issue in Early Years, especially when both parents have had a messy break up. It can cause tension and conflict that either parent may bring into the setting or reflect on the child in a number of ways. It is the responsibility of the Early … [Read more...] about Supporting separated parents in an Early Years setting
Learning and Development
Top 5 ‘messy free’ creative activity ideas
5 Great creative activities that are 'messy free' Messy activities are great for children to participate in and support their creative development through their senses; however not all children enjoy the 'messy' experience. This can cause difficulty in all children accessing fun and interesting creative activities. Here are 5 top creativity … [Read more...] about Top 5 ‘messy free’ creative activity ideas
Promoting a sense of belonging in your baby room
Why is it important for babies to experience a sense of belonging? All children should feel that their world is a safe place where people care about them and their needs, they can develop positive relationships and where they will be able to seek help when needed. When these needs are met children are able to develop a sense of … [Read more...] about Promoting a sense of belonging in your baby room
Screen-based lifestyle damaging children’s health and well-being
Experts call for official guidelines on screen use for children With a technology based childhood many young children are exposed to screen time throughout the day; with the latest research suggesting that this amount of time has risen dramatically in the past 12 years. Children aged five to 16 spend an average of six and a half hours a … [Read more...] about Screen-based lifestyle damaging children’s health and well-being
5 ‘post Christmas’ activities to extend a child’s experience
Extend Christmas into January with these 5 'post Christmas' activities Christmas is a fun and exciting time of the year that the children will love to talk about when returning to nursery. It is a good idea to continue to follow the children's interests and continue with Christmas themed activities after the festive period to enable all children … [Read more...] about 5 ‘post Christmas’ activities to extend a child’s experience
8 reasons to start teaching your child Makaton today
8 reasons you should introduce Makaton today! Makaton has increased in popularity over the past few years, with many Early Years practitioners and parents using it as a way to communicate with children. It is most commonly used with children who may have difficulty with their speech and communication; however it can be beneficial to all children … [Read more...] about 8 reasons to start teaching your child Makaton today
How can you build interaction in your baby room?
The importance of building opportunities for interaction with babies Building opportunities for interaction is very important when supporting children to learn and develop key communication skills. These are skills that children will need in their lives, right through to adulthood, to be able to carry out simple everyday tasks. This can be … [Read more...] about How can you build interaction in your baby room?
Gross motor mark making activities
Mark making activities to develop gross motor skills Gross motor mark making activities are great fun and a brilliant way to encourage early mark making skills. There are many stages a child needs to be able to accomplish before the skill of writing can begin; this starts with gross motor movements. More about the stages involved in learning to … [Read more...] about Gross motor mark making activities
Should Early Years settings participate in Nativities or Christmas concerts?
Are Nativities and Christmas concerts beneficial to children in the Early Years? At this time of year the Early Years is filled with Christmas nativities and concerts, getting the children to put on a performance for their parents and families. These can be lovely memories for the children and parents, with photos and videos that are treasured for … [Read more...] about Should Early Years settings participate in Nativities or Christmas concerts?
Why EYFS activity tick list sheets should never be used!
Why EYFS adult lead activity tick list sheets should never be used! The pressures of ensuring every child has completed every activity and each parent is having the same amount of work sent home is huge. This is particularly clear around the Christmas period when many EYFS activities are completed purely to send home in Christmas folders for … [Read more...] about Why EYFS activity tick list sheets should never be used!